Brush fire near Picayune Strand likely caused by lightning

A brush fire that started Monday just west of the Picayune Strand State Forest likely was caused by lightning, according to Florida Forest Service officials.

As of 7 p.m., the fire was about 3 to 5 acres, forest service spokesman Victor Hill said. Residents in the Verona Walk and Fiddler's Creek neighborhoods probably will see smoke in the area from the fire, he added.

Hill said the fire was slow moving and did not appear to be threatening any structures.